Cost Analysis

Read

Matthew 2:11, “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”

Think

“It costs us something to be a Christ-follower. But it is always worth it!”

Have you ever “re-gifted”? It’s when you receive a gift you don’t really want, so instead of keeping it, you wrap it up and give it to someone else. You don’t “re-gift” something valuable to you. You also wouldn’t “re-gift” to someone valuable to you.

When the Magi found Jesus, they bowed down to worship him and presented him “gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” These were three gifts fit for a king – no “re-gifting” going on there. The gifts of the Magi were something valuable because they were being given to someone valuable to them.

Do your gifts to God show you value him? Are you “re-gifting” God with the time you have left over on Sundays instead of making church a priority? Are you “re-gifting” God by obeying his commands only when they are convenient?

God is someone valuable who deserves gifts that are something valuable. Don’t “re-gift” God with your leftover time, talent or treasure. Follow the Magi’s example and give God gifts fit for a king!

Act

What is something valuable you could give to God today that demonstrates he is someone valuable to you? Give God your time by slowing down long enough in a conversation to tell someone about him. Give God your trust by obeying when it isn’t easy. Give God your tithe (10% of your paycheck) showing you trust him to provide for your needs.

Pray

God, you are a loving and generous king who deserves my best gifts. Thank you that when I give my best to you, I can trust that you have something even better that you want to give to me. Please give me the confidence and creativity to give you a valuable gift today! In Jesus’ name, Amen.